What is Your Spiritual Age?
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Hebrews 5:12-14 (KJV) which states that "anyone who lives on milk is still a baby and knows nothing about right teaching. But solid food is for those who are grown up. They are mature enough to know the difference between good and evil."
This passage is a rebuke and an encouragement for spiritual growth. It is our job after becoming a Christian to grow up in the knowledge of Christ. The writer of Hebrews is addressing believers who have been Christians long enough that they should be teaching others, but instead, they still need to be taught the basics of faith.
Key Themes:
Spiritual Immaturity ("Milk vs. Solid Food")
"Milk" represents the foundational teachings of Christianity—basic doctrines that new believers need to understand.
"Solid food" symbolizes deeper spiritual truths that require maturity to grasp.
Just as infants need milk before they can eat solid food, spiritual "babies" need basic teachings before they can handle deeper truths.
The Call to Maturity
The passage criticizes those who have not progressed in their faith.
Instead of growing in understanding, they still require instruction on basic principles.
The expectation is that over time, believers should develop discernment and maturity.
Discernment Between Good and Evil
"Those who by reason of use have their senses exercised" refers to mature believers who, through experience and practice, have developed the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
This discernment comes from applying God's Word and being led by the Holy Spirit.
Application:
Grow in Faith: Don’t remain stagnant in spiritual knowledge—continue learning and applying deeper biblical truths.
Move Beyond Basics: Understand the foundational principles of Christianity but strive for deeper wisdom.
Exercise Discernment: Train yourself to recognize truth from falsehood, righteousness from sin, and God's will from worldly thinking.